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Monday, 31 March 2014

Given that Beyoncé's Pepsi jingle failed to make the cut on her latest album, fans were given a treat of sorts when the tribal banger came with an alternative music video. The beat for ‘Grown Woman’ has also been given an electronic edge for a further retooling.

Although a lot of elements are recognisable from the original, there are new things added to give it a trippier and colourful feel. Check it out.

Many of us would never encourage dishonesty in a relationship. So, if via his phone, you caught him cheating and he tried to hide it, you'd be disgusted. About as disgusted as I am with the lyrics to Trey's new song, especially since I've been on the receiving end of a man's smartphone and his cheating. Not cool at all.

Take a listen to 'Smart Phones', the second offering from Trey's new album 'Trigga' inside.

Alicia Keys debuts her Kendrick Lamar-assisted new single 'It’s On Again', lifted off 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' soundtrack (due April 22nd). It has smooth disco strings and bopping keyboards so it comes as no surprise that the disco-happy Pharrell Williams produced it.

Look out for the track when it drops tomorrow via iTunes and get your first listen inside.

This new Rita Ora song is NOT it. I can't see it doing anything in the States, but the UK may very well take the bait. Due to its 80s pop influences, ‘I Will Never Let You Down’ is different for Calvin Harris, but still generic riding off the coattails of Jessie J and Pink. Whitney Houston, my ass. The video was directed by Francesco Carrozzini, who did Beyoncé’s 'Jealous'. But don't get too excited about that though.

Sunday, 30 March 2014

Last night, Jennifer Lopez performed at the Meydan Racecourse following the world’s richest day of horse racing. Her post-race concert ties in with the Dubai World cup festivities, which she used as a platform to debut a brand new song called 'Never Satisfied.'

It's a bit of a rockish power ballad, and a complete U-Turn to the last few urban-pop cuts she's been churning out lately.

Saturday, 29 March 2014

Mariah Carey continued on with her 44th birthday celebrations by taking her cute twins Moroccan and Monroe to a fun day out at Magic Kingdom. She may be 44 but Mariah will always be the self-proclaimed 'eternally 12', with her forever 21 outfits and constant displays of cleavage popping out at the seams.

Good to see she's still as young as she feels and nothing much has changed.

Lady Gaga's week-long residency at New York’s Roseland Ballroom kicked off right as she celebrated her 28th birthday. Only 28, can you believe? I know I can't. During the show, Gaga performed old hits and new songs off her current album 'ARTPOP', including latest single 'G.U.Y.', live for the first time.

Good news is, no vomit was involved. Check out the dance heavy performance inside.

Friday, 28 March 2014

Unless you're a diehard fan, I can't see anybody wanting to wear Mariah Carey's clothes. Not with her shot fashion sense. They could always be good for collector's items or fabulous for a throwback, fabulous. She donated the dress she wore in the music video for 'Obsessed' to the 'Hard Rock' Memorabilia collection.

The dress (Roberto Cavalli) is an eyesore, but she's MC so somebody is going to cherish it.

Brazilian carnivals are always fun, and Janelle Monáe brought that very atmosphere to 'American Idol' last night. As expected, Janelle delivered a lively, high-octane performance, and even her back-up dancers
looked the part in their Brazilian
carnival costumes!

Her funky new single 'What Is Love' is lifted off the soundtrack to the animated film 'Rio 2.'

Newly engaged Christina Aguilera went down to a size zero only to get pregnant again. She seems to be basking in being a mother for the second time, taking to the stage in front of thousands to perform some of her biggest hits at the Twin Towers Alive Festival in Malaysia.

The special gig served as her first full-length concert in six years. Check out one more pic inside.

It's been quite the journey for Beyoncé. After 132 shows in four continents, and almost one year on the road, the singer bids an emotional farewell to her 'Mrs. Carter Show' world tour. She thanks everyone across the globe who attended, cries on stage and even delivers a very sentimental speech.

Too bad that only European fans got to see her perform her new songs on stage. Lucky bastids, us!

Thursday, 27 March 2014

As we speak, Beyoncé is on a stage somewhere in Lisbon, Portugal wrapping up the final night of her mega watts ‘Mrs Carter Show’ world tour (European leg). Now the world waits with baited breath to see what her next move will be.

In celebration, she reps Pepsi, the very soft drinks giant in which she currently holds a multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with.

Sevyn Streeter replicates Gabriel Union’s TV host role in 'Being Mary Jane' part two. At least in her new visuals for new song 'nEXt'. This serves as the second single off her debut EP 'Call Me Crazy, But', an EP she's been promoting on her current Stateside tour which wraps on May 3rd.

In the Derek Blanks-directed clip, Sevyn tries to move on with her life prior to being dumped by her boyfriend.

The most derivative album title in R&B history has to be, 'Point Of No Return'. That's the name of Keyshia Cole's sixth studio album. If you recall, Shareefa and Teairra Mari used the same title for their mixtapes. 3LW also used it for their shelved LP as well.

The difference is, their music was actually pretty good for mixtape music. KC on the other hand? Now that's a whole other story.

Well, this is a good sign. At least for Christina Milian's flailing music career. It could be wishful thinking but it looks like we may very well get that new album from her after all. She's just snagged her very own reality show on E!’s upcoming slate of original programming.

Plans for the show was unveiled yesterday ahead of its upfront presentation.

As long as Brandy is working on new music, I can actually cope with her acting roles. I've never really cared for them since 'Moesha', because that was my show back in the day. I remember rushing home from school just to catch it. Good times.

Brandy did a new interview with Glamour where she discusses new music and her latest role on TV Land's 'The Soul Man' which premiered last night.

No one can say Tamar Braxton isn't a hustler. Like Beyoncé, this bitch knows the definition of WORK. She dropped a new album while pregnant, kept herself busy with a successful reality series and talk show, and even toured with John Legend.

Now she will support R. Kelly on his upcoming arena trek before embarking on her very own headline 'Love & War' tour kicking off in May. More deets inside.

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Here's Usher in the studio hard at work on his upcoming new album. He says he's working hard on something special for us making note he's commemorating the 10 year anniversay of his diamond selling album 'Confessions'.

What happened to this new music we were suppose to hear at the top of the year? We're almost one quarter into the year already. I say bring back that home-bred R&B!

Now that her long-term lawsuit with Blackground Records has come to an end, JoJo is excited about releasing new music with Atlantic Records. She sat down with ABC News to talk about the hotly anticipated new single and project.

JoJo says she can’t wait to create a classic album, which will have a diverse collection of songs.

Is this seriously the BIG announcement Danity Kane have been harping on about for the past week? A tour? Really! Where is the fucking music?!?! The girls announce their upcoming ‘No Filter’ tour today, which serves as a 13-date trek kicking off in May. It will be their first tour in six years.

They're expected to perform old and new material on the trek. More deets inside.

Elle Varner's new song is awesome. It's like, jazz meets hip hop with that retro Amy Winehouse influence. ‘See Me Tonight’ serves as the second installment in her four-letter word series. An emotional Elle tries to unmask her hurt in yet another heartbreaking anthem.

Elle's sophomore album '4 Letter Word' really is one to look out for this year.

'Rumble' is probably one of the strongest tracks on Kelis' new album 'Food', but the video is just garbage. All she does is lounge on an armchair in the middle of a lake, while a trumpet player and fishermen take part in several activities behind her. She acts oblivious to everything that's happening.

It's all very Duck Dynasty inspired but it could have been so much more interesting.

Monday, 24 March 2014

Apparently, Sevyn Streeter loves Beyoncé so much that she decided to rehash a raunchier version of the singer's Grammy Awards performance for 'Drunk In Love'. No offense but I'd definitely say this one was a tad bit more entertaining.

Check out Sevyn giving one of her dancers the ‘surfboard’ treatment last night at Baltimore's Sound Stage, inside!

Of all the better looks she could have chosen from the music video, Lady Gaga had to pick the most dirtiest, unappealing photo for her official 'G.U.Y.' artwork.

It's probably a message pertaining to a phoenix obtaining new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor. That would be 'Do What U Want' which underperformed by her standards. New life in 'ARTPOP' is certainly what she needs right now.

Of all the versions that are out, Keyshia Cole's rendition of 'Loyal' is more commendable. However, Chris Brown compensates in a way that KC visually can't. Serving up some dazzling footwork in the accompanying music video.

Sunday, 23 March 2014

I haven't done one of these in quite a while, but it's time to bring it back and see what your favourite musicians have been up to this week. Anyway, I promise to be a little more consistent with this.

There's been several birthday celebrations, a baby shower, several work commitments and some precious family moments. See who's been doing what after the jump.

Seemingly, Lady Gaga is trying to go back to pushing the envelope with some expensive, over the top visuals. In a way she needed this, following her repulsive vomiting stunt which really didn't score her any cool points.

Her ‘G.U.Y.’ video was one she directed herself, which was shot over six days at California’s famed Hearst Castle.

Saturday, 22 March 2014

During her set at SXSW in Austin last week, Lady Gaga had performance artist Millie Brown vomit on her. This attracted a lot of criticism, especially from Demi Lovato who once battled with bulimia. She accused Gaga of glamorising eating disorders. Gaga continued her strong defense of the performance to E! News on Friday.

Beyoncé has been quite the feminist this era. Her music video for 'Yoncé' showcased a platform that rivalry between ethnic models can also be a positive thing. Model Chanel Iman recently told The Edit that Beyoncé’s recent music video 'Yoncé', which featured herself alongside fellow models Jourdan Dunn and Joan Smalls, was a breakthrough for the fashion industry.

Friday, 21 March 2014

Jhené Aiko's older sister Mila J premieres her dance-heavy visuals for 'Smoke, Drink, Break-Up'. The 30-year-old stunner is currently recording her new album 'M.I.L.A' on Motown Records. In the black and white clip, Mila is seen bickering with her man, played by Ty Dolla $ign.

She also shows off some very familiar footwork and a street style that can be attributed to two female R&B singers. Can you guess who?

Planet Hollywood confirms that Britney Spears’ Las Vegas 'Piece Of Me' concert will be released to DVD after all of her shows are over in the year 2015. So fans that simply couldn't afford to spend a months worth of rent money for her shows will now be able to watch all of her stiff dancing and lipsyncing in the comforts of their own home.

Rihanna's popularity in today's pop world is unprecedented right now. RihannaVEVO has become the most viewed channel ever on YouTube, with over 4.8 billion views! She is also the artist with the most VEVO certified videos (visuals with over 100 million views). Rihanna's videos always slay, with the exception of 'Pour It Up' which I hated.

But at least a good 90% of her videos were well directed with great treatments.

Beyoncé partners with car manufacturer Toyota for a new 'Get Going' campaign, which aims to encourage young people to pursue their dreams. The campaign's prime focus is China and 99 other countries and regions worldwide.

The commercial, which features her song 'XO' as the soundtrack, shows Beyoncé working her butt off on stage.

There are two things Jennifer Lopez is admired for. Her beauty and her performance abilities because it certainly isn't for her singing. J.Lo brought the Bronx to American Idol while delivering her first televised performance of new single 'I Luh Ya Papi'. The intro had an acapella with past 'Idol' contestants Pia Toscano, Jessica Sanchez, and Allison Iraheta.

She should really reconsider this next time given that they put her vocals to shame.

Thursday, 20 March 2014

Rita Ora says that her new single, 'I Will Never Let You Down' (produced by boyfriend Calvin Harris) is a reminder of Whitney Houston. Now I don't know about you, but the bits and pieces we've heard of the song so far is enough to confirm this statement as inaccurate.
Rita made her bold admission in Paper magazine's ‘Beautiful People Issue’ where she serves as their latest cover girl.

The challenges that comes with being a hit-less independent artist was never going to be easy. Ashanti released her serially delayed album 'Braveheart' on March 4th and it debuted on the Billboard 200 at #10. Now everyone dips in their second week. Fair dos. No biggie. But THIS drop is quite eye-watering.
This week, she falls a staggering 33 places from #10 to #43 selling an additional 8,000 copies and putting her overall sales at 36K.

Last year, Keyshia Cole received major backlash for criticising Beyoncé's song 'Bow Down', (retitled 'Flawless'). This prompted producer The-Dream to insist he couldn't work with her again after that. "Can’t stand when people all self righteous when it’s convenient it makes them look good" she tweeted back then. "First ‘Women need to stick together’ now bitches better Bow. SMH".

Whether Lady Gaga's 'ARTPOP' era can be saved is yet to be seen, but it certainly doesn't hurt to try. She has just announced that the Zedd-produced 'G.U.Y.' will serve as the third single from the critically underwhelming project. I bet R. Kelly would love to piss on her album too, since he was dumped so suddenly.

Gaga will premiere the music video for 'G.U.Y.' on Saturday (March 22nd) at 8/7c on NBC.

Allegedly, Keyshia Cole's estranged husband Daniel 'Boobie' Gibson cheated on her with a stripper. Now she's on some angry vendetta with her music. On sultry R&B ballad ‘Next Time’, she furiously berates him for his deceit and dishonesty.
The track, which will be featured on her upcoming sixth album, serves as one of six tracks she freestyled on.

The album will be out in August and will be her final album for Interscope.

If you're expecting to see Justin Timberlake in his new video for 'Not A Bad Thing', then you might want to skip this. It's not really a music video. It's more a documentary based on a true story. Man proposes to girlfriend on Long Island Rail Road using JT’s song. This prompts a search party to find them.

Random couples talk about their rosy love life in the clip. I didn't make it to the end.

Wednesday, 19 March 2014

Well damn. Keyshia Cole's alleged separation from her husband has made her mighty mad. And more ratchet than ever! But you know what they say, you can take the girl out of the hood, and vice versa. Keyshia finds herself slapping bitches like 'Rick James' while kicking her cheating man to the curb.

The hood anthem serves as the first single off her upcoming sixth studio album. But is the Juicy J-assisted cut any good?

If the sound of a has-been rapper going on tour with a chart dominating pop vixen excites you, look no further. Rihanna and Eminem announce dates for their co-headlining 3-city 'Monster' tour. Tickets go on sale to the general public on March 29th at 10AM.
More details about access to several presales can be found over on Eminem.com. Check out the dates inside.

Tuesday, 18 March 2014

Beyoncé rocked a dress from Tom Ford's new collection at her concert in Amsterdam earlier tonight. It was the first time the Mollie sequin dress was worn straight off the runway. Of course she would wear a Tom Ford inspired Jay Z jersey as a costume.What's good enough for the hubby is good enough for her. It would not even surprise me if this Ford-happy pair had shares in the company.

Boombox’s 'Off the Record' series had Ashanti and a live band revisit her back catalog. She performed her 2002 debut single 'Foolish' and then fast-forwarded to 2014 with her Rick Ross-assisted single 'I Got It'. Also covered was Chaka Khan’s ’70s classic 'Sweet Thing', a song that snagged her a record deal.

How she managed that with those tinny vocals I'll never know. But she's slaying NOW.

When Beyoncé unexpectedly dropped her self-titled visual album on iTunes last December, she created a historic, record-breaking moment. No other major artist ever took that risk before which made the entire moment so bloody iconic.
One big-name artist was so in awe of the way Beyoncé released her album that they are looking to take the same approach with their own project.

Monday, 17 March 2014

Following his trip to jail on Friday, Chris Brown is expected in
court today. What lies ahead for his serial-delayed album 'X' is still
up in the air. RCA Records never did confirm his announcement that the
album will drop on May 5th, so we probably won't even see it.

Promo could be problematic. A judge could still order
additional jail time prior to him being kicked out of rehab for
violating several internal rules.

Given that Rita's past music has been punishment enough to the ears, she now admits in a press release that she wants people to feel jubilant when they hear her new song, ‘I Will Never Let You Down’. She might be expecting a tad bit much on that one. But at least UK radio will support it. Written and produced by Calvin Harris, the track will see a release on May 11th, via Roc Nation/Columbia.